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KS4 Music

Course Details

The BTEC Level 2 First Certificate in Music is a vocational qualification intended for students aiming for a career in the music industry. It offers a chance for students interested in music to develop their skills and gain experience working with other like-minded musicians.

Students work on developing their knowledge and skills in a number of areas. Through written and practical tasks they will learn how to plan and create musical projects. Skills in composition and music technology are also key areas of study as are music theory and listening skills. Performance opportunities range from small scale informal performances in the music rooms to concerts outside school in a range of venues. Students are encouraged to organise their own concerts in addition to participating in formal assessments.

Instrumental and vocal teaching is provided by a team of specialist peripatetic teachers. Music students are expected to have regular individual lessons on their instrument/voice.

The emphasis at KS4 is on developing the skills needed to progress onto the Post-16 qualification and beyond. Much of the work is undertaken in groups and students are encouraged to form professional working relationships with their peers. Assessment of written and practical tasks takes place through varied termly projects designed to enable the students to identify and develop their skills in a structured but creative learning environment.

Course Details

The BTEC Level 2 First Certificate in Music allows you to develop your musical skills and knowledge in many areas including music theory, practical and listening skills and composition. It is equivalent to two GCSEs. There are regular performance opportunities and students are provided with an understanding of the music industry and the range of careers available to them in the future, whilst being surrounded by like-minded musicians.

Units covered are likely to include the following:

The Music Industry

Managing A Music Product

Music & Production Analysis

Introducing Music Sequencing

Introducing Music Performance

Introducing Music Theory

Developing Solo Music Performance

Music Ensemble

All students undertake all of the units selected by the tutors.

What We Expect

All applicants must be able to perform either as a vocalist or an instrumentalist (or both) and should ideally have some live performance experience. We are especially keen to welcome students who have formed bands or vocal groups on their own initiative, or who have music technology experience. Applicants invited to audition will be asked to perform a short prepared piece of their own choice, sit a music theory/listening test and respond to some aural tests. Active involvement in all aspects of Year 9 musical activities at a student's current school is a good indication of their commitment to the subject, as is their involvement in similar activities outside of school. We expect applicants to be able to demonstrate an interest in the study of music as a theoretical as well as a practical subject.

Facilities

We have a number of rehearsal spaces equipped with PA, amps, keyboards and drum kits as well as 2 teaching rooms. There is a large, fully-equipped theatre and a smaller studio space, both of which are used for music shows. The music department has a state-of-the-art digital recording studio (currently not available for pre-16 students) and a Mac MIDI suite running composition, sequencing and recording software.

Alumni

Many big names have been educated within the department, and we are proud of the achievements of all of our students. From platinum selling singers such as Adele and Leona Lewis to experimental artists ranging from Imogen Heap to King Krule, here is a selection of work from solo acts and singer-songwriters who gained part of their musical education at The BRIT School.

We encourage students to form bands whilst at the school, many of them also go on to join other acts once they have left. This playlist give a small sense of the variety of bands that are currently out there featuring ex-BRIT music students.

The BRIT School Limited is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 2369239 and an exempt charity regulated by the Department for Education. The company's registered address is The BRIT School, 60 The Crescent, Croydon, CR0 2HN.